My dad was injured in the Korean War, a few years before I was born. As a result of that injury, he walks with a limp. As a young boy, I unconsciously emulated him. I just thought that was the way grown men walked.
When I was about three or four, I remember my Mom saying to me, “Mike, you don’t need to walk with a limp. Dad walks that way because he was hurt in the war.” Regardless, I still walked with a limp for another year or so, simply because I wanted to be like my dad.
This was the “law of replication” in action. This law says that like begets like. Dogs beget dogs. Trees beget trees. And people beget people.
This law also applies to leadership. Like it or not, you will replicate yourself. Your followers will adopt your behaviors, habits, and—if you have a strong personality— even your mannerisms.
Years ago, I remember visiting one of our authors at his corporate headquarters. I was amused to see his staff imitating him, down to the cadence of his speech and the inflection of his voice. It was as if they were paid impersonators.
This has powerful implications for leadership. Unconsciously, your people will mimic you. This means:
- If you are late to meetings, your people will be late to meetings.
- If you don’t take notes in meetings, your people won’t take notes in meetings.
- If you are angry and defensive when you get negative feedback, your people will be angry and defensive when they get negative feedback.
Conversely:
- If you are humble and grateful, your people will be humble and grateful.
- If you are warm and engaging, your people will be warm and engaging.
- If you are even-tempered and unflinching under fire, your people will be even-tempered and unflinching under fire.
Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I would add, “Be the change you want to see in your organization.” If you don’t like the culture of your department, division, or company, start by changing yourself. Set a new standard. Let your word become flesh. This is the most powerful thing you can do to change your world.
The bottom line is that you are the prototype for your followers. Your actions speak louder than words. You must pay careful attention to your own behavior. You are a living example of what it takes to go to the next level. You will replicate yourself.
As St. Seraphim of Sarov said, “Save yourself and you will save a thousand.”
Come join me and several of my friends for the Recreate Cruise for Christian Creatives. The first 12 people who register will have the opportunity to meet with me privately to pitch their book idea.
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So true and why its a little scary to lead. Also why character of a leader trumps all other traits. Good character elicits behavior to be modeled.
So true and why its a little scary to lead. Also why character of a leader trumps all other traits. Good character elicits behavior to be modeled.
Mike – Another great post. This one hit home for me for two reasons. First, it was convicting and a great reminder that people are always watching. If I don't lead by example I am responsible for the poor results I get from my followers. Second, it made me think of my children and how at the ages of 4 and 6 they are so impressionable. I have a responsibility to show them how to love the Lord, treat women (especially their mother) properly, and be a man of character and substance. Thanks!
So true and why its a little scary to lead. Also why character of a leader trumps all other traits. Good character elicits behavior to be modeled.
Do as I say, Not as I do comes to mind.
Currently with a client. All managers "work" from home on a Friday, take extended lunch hours, yet turn down staff requests to do the same.
So much resentment in the office.
Do as I say, Not as I do comes to mind.
Currently with a client. All managers "work" from home on a Friday, take extended lunch hours, yet turn down staff requests to do the same.
So much resentment in the office.
Do as I say, Not as I do comes to mind.
Currently with a client. All managers "work" from home on a Friday, take extended lunch hours, yet turn down staff requests to do the same.
So much resentment in the office.
Great post. I would also comment that replication is a sign of admiration or respect. If an employee doesn't replicate your behaviour a smart manager should ask themselves why?
Great post. I would also comment that replication is a sign of admiration or respect. If an employee doesn't replicate your behaviour a smart manager should ask themselves why?
Great post. I would also comment that replication is a sign of admiration or respect. If an employee doesn't replicate your behaviour a smart manager should ask themselves why?
This is one of the best blog posts on leadership that I've ever read. Thanks for sharing.
This is one of the best blog posts on leadership that I've ever read. Thanks for sharing.
This is one of the best blog posts on leadership that I've ever read. Thanks for sharing.
Very good reminder. One of a leader's key role's is to prepare other leaders to take his or her place. This post reminds us that unless our preparation is intentional, we will more than likely fail. In my recently published book on Leadership, I discuss that Moses and Jesus took years, not weeks or months to train up the leaders who would replace them. Their preparation was intentional in part because they knew that if left to develop on their own, they would not be successful in carrying out the mission that God had ordained. This is definitely true in any organization today.
Very good reminder. One of a leader's key role's is to prepare other leaders to take his or her place. This post reminds us that unless our preparation is intentional, we will more than likely fail. In my recently published book on Leadership, I discuss that Moses and Jesus took years, not weeks or months to train up the leaders who would replace them. Their preparation was intentional in part because they knew that if left to develop on their own, they would not be successful in carrying out the mission that God had ordained. This is definitely true in any organization today.
Very good reminder. One of a leader's key role's is to prepare other leaders to take his or her place. This post reminds us that unless our preparation is intentional, we will more than likely fail. In my recently published book on Leadership, I discuss that Moses and Jesus took years, not weeks or months to train up the leaders who would replace them. Their preparation was intentional in part because they knew that if left to develop on their own, they would not be successful in carrying out the mission that God had ordained. This is definitely true in any organization today.
Well said and a good reminder. This is why I try and carefully select those under whose leadership I place myself; but in the end, I strive to look towards our Father above even when it seems likely I might miss the mark if I focus too much on earthly leadership. Ultimately, it's the leadership we exhibit to others that we are responsible for.
Well said and a good reminder. This is why I try and carefully select those under whose leadership I place myself; but in the end, I strive to look towards our Father above even when it seems likely I might miss the mark if I focus too much on earthly leadership. Ultimately, it's the leadership we exhibit to others that we are responsible for.
Well said and a good reminder. This is why I try and carefully select those under whose leadership I place myself; but in the end, I strive to look towards our Father above even when it seems likely I might miss the mark if I focus too much on earthly leadership. Ultimately, it's the leadership we exhibit to others that we are responsible for.
Well said!!!.
Leadership is not about bossing around. Every single action of a leader has an impact on the team, "Nothing gets unnoticed".